Galaxy S22 Ultra Vs Z Fold 4 Is The Fold Really Worth The Extra 2

The smartphone market has evolved beyond simple upgrades in processing power or camera resolution. Today’s flagship devices offer entirely different philosophies of mobile computing. The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 4 represent two distinct visions—one rooted in refinement, the other in reinvention. The S22 Ultra delivers a premium traditional smartphone experience with elite specs and a built-in S Pen. The Z Fold 4 redefines what a phone can be with its foldable display and tablet-like versatility. But at a price difference of roughly $200, the question isn’t just which is better—it’s whether the Fold’s innovation justifies the added cost.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The Galaxy S22 Ultra embraces a sleek, slab-style design with a titanium frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both front and back. It’s solid, balanced, and feels like a high-end tool meant to last. At 228g, it’s not light, but its heft inspires confidence. The integrated S Pen silo makes it the only modern Samsung phone with a built-in stylus, appealing to creatives and professionals alike.

In contrast, the Z Fold 4 weighs slightly less at 263g when open but folds into a more compact form. Its hinge mechanism has been refined over generations, now nearly seamless and dust-resistant with an IPX8 rating. The outer screen is narrow (5.6 inches) but usable for quick tasks, while the inner 7.6-inch foldable AMOLED transforms into a mini tablet. This duality is its core appeal—but also its compromise. The crease across the center of the main display remains visible up close, and the device demands careful handling.

Tip: Use a protective case and avoid placing heavy objects on top of your foldable—pressure on the hinge or screen can cause long-term damage.

Display and Usability: One Screen or Two?

The S22 Ultra features a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution, and peak brightness exceeding 1750 nits. It’s among the best flat screens ever made—crisp, vibrant, and reliable under sunlight. For media consumption, gaming, or productivity, it performs flawlessly.

The Z Fold 4 offers two screens: the small cover display and the expansive inner panel. While both support 120Hz, the inner screen’s resolution drops slightly due to the flexible polymer layer. Brightness peaks around 1200 nits, making outdoor visibility good but not class-leading. However, the multitasking potential changes how you use the phone. You can run three apps simultaneously, drag and drop between them, and even resize windows dynamically. For users who frequently juggle email, web browsing, and notes, this is transformative.

“Foldables aren’t just bigger phones—they’re early-stage productivity tools that anticipate how we’ll work in five years.” — Dr. Lena Park, Mobile Technology Analyst at IDC

Performance and Battery Life: Power Under Pressure

Both devices are powered by the same chipset—the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (in most regions)—and come with up to 12GB of RAM. In raw benchmarks, they perform nearly identically. Apps launch quickly, games run smoothly, and multitasking is fluid. However, real-world usage reveals subtle differences.

The S22 Ultra packs a 5,000mAh battery and consistently delivers 1.5 days of moderate use. Fast charging (45W), wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging add flexibility. The Z Fold 4 splits its battery into two 2,275mAh units (one in each half), totaling 4,400mAh. Despite optimizations, it rarely exceeds a full day of active use, especially with the inner screen dominating usage. Heavy multitaskers may need a midday charge.

Thermals also differ. The S22 Ultra spreads heat efficiently across its larger body. The Fold, with its dual batteries and complex internal layout, tends to warm up faster during prolonged gaming or video editing sessions.

Camera Comparison: Still Photography vs. Flexibility

The S22 Ultra continues Samsung’s legacy of excellent camera systems: a 108MP main sensor, dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultrawide. Its computational photography excels in low light, and the 100x Space Zoom, while gimmicky, is surprisingly usable. Video stabilization is top-tier, and pro-grade manual controls cater to enthusiasts.

The Z Fold 4 uses a more modest setup: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto (3x zoom). Photos are sharp and well-balanced, but dynamic range and night mode lag behind the S22 Ultra. Where the Fold shines is in creative flexibility. The hands-free flex mode allows for self-framing shots using the lower half as a stand. It’s ideal for vlogging, group photos, or time-lapses without a tripod.

Feature	S22 Ultra	Z Fold 4
Main Camera	108MP, f/1.8	50MP, f/1.8
Telephoto	3x + 10x optical zoom	3x optical zoom
Front Cameras	10MP (under-display on Fold)	10MP (cover), 4MP (inner)
Video Recording	8K@24fps, superb stabilization	4K@60fps, good stabilization
Unique Features	S Pen integration, Director’s View	Flex Mode, multi-active window

Total Cost of Ownership: Is the Fold Worth the Extra $200?

Priced at $1,199 (base model), the Z Fold 4 costs about $200 more than the S22 Ultra ($999). That premium buys you a novel form factor and multitasking capabilities, but also introduces trade-offs: shorter battery life, a more fragile display, and slower software updates due to additional testing layers for foldable optimization.

Repairs amplify the gap. Replacing the S22 Ultra’s screen runs $249 through Samsung Care+. The Z Fold 4’s inner display replacement is $399—and that doesn’t include the outer screen or hinge. Without insurance, a single accident could cost nearly half the phone’s value.

For casual users, the S22 Ultra offers better value. Its durability, camera excellence, and battery endurance make it a smarter long-term investment. But for business users, digital note-takers, or media creators who rely on split-screen workflows, the Fold’s productivity gains may justify the cost—especially if paired with accessories like the Book Cover Case or Bluetooth keyboard.

Tip: If buying a Z Fold 4, invest in Samsung Care+—the peace of mind outweighs the annual fee given the repair costs.

Real-World Example: A Freelance Designer’s Workflow

Jamal, a freelance UI designer in Austin, switched from an S21 Ultra to a Z Fold 4 for client meetings. He uses the inner screen to display his portfolio on one side while taking notes with the S Pen on the other. During video calls, he keeps reference materials open beside the Zoom window. “It replaced my iPad Mini for client reviews,” he says. “I don’t edit full projects on it, but the ability to see and interact with multiple things at once saves me at least an hour a day.” For Jamal, the $200 premium paid for itself in efficiency.

Step-by-Step: Choosing the Right Device for Your Needs

1. Assess your daily tasks: Do you mostly browse, message, and take photos? The S22 Ultra suffices. Do you edit documents, manage multiple apps, or sketch ideas? The Fold adds tangible benefits.
2. Evaluate portability needs: Will you carry a tablet anyway? The Fold might eliminate that. Prefer one compact device? The S22 Ultra fits better in pockets.
3. Consider longevity: Are you keeping the phone for 3+ years? The S22 Ultra’s proven build and easier repairs favor long-term ownership.
4. Budget for protection: Add $120/year for Samsung Care+ if choosing the Fold. Factor in cases and screen protectors designed for foldables.
5. Test before you buy: Visit a retailer to fold and unfold the Z Fold 4. Some users dislike the tactile feedback or crease visibility—personal preference matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Z Fold 4 replace a tablet?

Yes, for light to moderate tasks. With apps like Samsung Notes, Google Docs, and YouTube, it handles document review, note-taking, and media playback well. However, lack of app optimization for large screens means some experiences feel stretched, not tailored.

Does the S22 Ultra’s S Pen work on the Z Fold 4?

The S Pen is not officially supported on the Z Fold 4’s inner screen. Using it risks damaging the foldable display. Samsung sells a separate S Pen Fold Edition with a softer tip designed for the polymer surface.

Which phone receives updates faster?

The S22 Ultra typically gets Android and security updates a few days before the Z Fold 4. Samsung prioritizes its flagship series for quicker rollout testing.

Final Verdict: Innovation vs. Refinement

The Galaxy S22 Ultra is a masterclass in incremental excellence—a powerful, durable, and versatile smartphone that does everything exceptionally well. The Z Fold 4 is a glimpse into the future: a hybrid device that challenges the definition of a phone. It’s not always more convenient, nor is it objectively better. But for those whose workflows benefit from screen real estate and multitasking, it offers unique advantages no flat phone can match.

The extra $200 isn’t just for folding technology—it’s an investment in a different way of interacting with your device. If your usage aligns with that vision, the Fold earns its price. But if you prioritize reliability, camera quality, and battery life, the S22 Ultra remains the smarter, more complete package.

💬 Have you made the switch to a foldable? Or do you prefer the power of a traditional flagship? Share your experience and help others decide which path suits their lifestyle.